Dubai's public transport to be emission-free by 2050, says Sheikh Hamdan

Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, confirmed that under the directives of Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai has created a roadmap to make public transport in the emirate emission-free by 2050.

The move, which is in line with the UAE’s commitment to climate action, consolidates the nation’s emergence as a leader in the use of renewable energy, and a pioneer in the transition towards a green economy.

Sheikh Hamdan said: "Humanity expects each of us to contribute to saving the future. The UAE spares no effort to be on the frontlines of preserving the sustainability of our planet’s resources. A series of green economy initiatives have led to Dubai becoming a role model for sustainability.

Our initiatives for the future will help ensure that the UAE continues to set an example for the world in promoting innovation and creativity. We look forward to welcoming the world to COP 28 to be held at Expo City Dubai.”

Sheikh Hamdan added: "Mohammed Bin Rashid’s directives are to tackle climate change from the frontlines. We will not compromise on the right of the coming generations to shape their own future. It is our duty to preserve resources for them and this requires us to work collectively to achieve this on the ground. We continue to implement green initiatives that have a positive environmental impact in order to mitigate climate change.”

The remarks were made during a meeting of The Executive Council held on Wednesday at the Emirates Towers in the presence of Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE.

The roadmap, which was approved during the meeting, included the completion of the transition to zero-emission transportation in Dubai by 2050. Policies for licencing early-education centres in Dubai, and activating and stimulating Non-Profit Organisations in the emirate were also approved.

The roadmap for achieving the transition towards zero-emission public transport in Dubai by 2050 is based on a set of executive initiatives related to the infrastructure, the circular economy and green mobility, which will achieve the desired environmental impact by avoiding nearly 8 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions, the equivalent of planting 132 million trees.

It also equates to financial savings of Dhs3 billion by 2050.

The Executive Council of Dubai also approved the policy for licencing early-learning institutions, which will contribute to enhancing Dubai’s attractiveness and competitiveness.

The Executive Council also adopted a policy to incentivise Non-Profit Organisations in Dubai to support the enhancement of quality of life by activating the role of civil society in social development.

The new policy will improve social services in the emirate through an integrated system of legislative frameworks, standards and initiatives to enhance continuous quality development.
WAM